Creation First. Technique With a Reason.

I do not start beginners with months of abstract drills before they get to make anything. Whether the lesson is piano, guitar, bass, songwriting, or production, we start with a musical idea you can hear quickly.

Then we attach technique, theory, ear training, rhythm, and practice habits to that idea. Fundamentals still matter. They just work better when the student understands what they are for.

I have taught everyone from five-year-olds to adults returning to music after decades away. The common thread is simple: once a student hears themselves creating real music, or playing songs they already know and love, practice has a reason.

Thaddeus Arndt seated at the piano Guitar Center lesson with young guitar students

The same creation-first approach in motion.

Hear the playing and musical feel behind the lessons before choosing a path.

What You Can Learn

Each subject can stand alone, but the goal is the same: make real music early and build skill around it.

Thaddeus Arndt playing acoustic guitar outdoors in the LA hills
Piano, guitar, bass, songwriting, and production all start from the same idea: make music first, then build the skill around it.
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Piano

Chords, songs, rhythm, technique, reading, theory, and creative playing for kids and adults.

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Guitar & Bass

Guitar chords, riffs, rhythm, bass lines, groove, song-based learning, and fretboard theory.

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Music Theory

Understand chords, keys, progressions, harmony, and song structure through music you actually play or write.

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Ear Training

Hear intervals, chords, bass movement, melodies, and progressions so music starts making sense faster.

🎛️

Music Production

Learn Ableton or any DAW, recording, arrangement, editing, mixing basics, and how to turn ideas into tracks.

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Audio Engineering

Signal flow, microphone technique, EQ, compression, session organization, and clean exports.

Teaching Experience

Private instruction, Guitar Center lesson programs, online coaching, and independent lessons for kids, adults, beginners, and returning musicians.

2024 - Present

Independent Private Music Instruction

One-on-one online and Los Angeles lessons in piano, guitar, bass, songwriting, music theory, ear training, and production.

2017 - 2024

Guitar Center Piano Instructor

Taught through the Guitar Center lesson program in Champaign, Illinois and Palmdale, California before going fully independent.

2016 - Present

Renaissauce Records

Founder. Mentoring emerging artists in music production, mixing, and the creative process.

Transparent Rates

No hidden fees. Same rate for piano, guitar, bass, theory, ear training, or production lessons.

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Half Hour

$40
30-minute lesson
  • Focused, efficient sessions
  • Great for younger students
  • Clear next steps after each lesson
  • Any instrument or subject
Get Started
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Full Hour

$60
60-minute lesson
  • More time to create and refine
  • Best for adults and production
  • Theory, technique, and songs together
  • Any instrument or subject
Get Started

Start With a Free Intro

Tell me what you want to play, make, or understand. I will help you find the cleanest starting point.

Choose your path in three steps.

Start with the learning option that fits: online or in-person, then choose kids, adults, or creator-focused lessons.

With different learning options, which option is right for you?

Who is it for?

Choose both learning options to see your best path.

Select where you want lessons and who they are for. Then you will get the most relevant piano, guitar, bass, songwriting, or production links.

Book Free Intro 💬 Text Me